Just got my e1705 today... where's my OS CD?

I specifically ordered the XP MCE SP2 disc with my PC, but I got some POS Dell install disc instead... Fortunately, I was able to use the XP code on the bottom of the laptop with my retail copy of XP MCE, but is Dell now no longer supplying "untainted" install discs?

BTW, this laptop kicks some SERIOUS A!

 

Lucky you.. mine's still boxing (kangaroo's?)

 

did you install with it? it's a normal copy of XP regardless of how it's labeled. the OS disc they send you doesn't have the bloatware; the image partition does.

 

They don't come with cd anymore.

 

You might want to call Dell and request the CD. They don't ship with the laptops anymore.

 

Not even when you pay the 10 bones? What a great deal for Dell!

 

It is a Dell-branded XP MCE SP2 install DVD. Works just like a Microsoft disk AND it includes MCE SP2 roll-up. So don't let the orange color and lack of Microsoft holograms put you off....

btw If anyone does use the Dell MCE disk for a reinstall, be aware you will get a Dell " WARNING" screen after one of your reboots. This is normal and should not be canceled. It is installing the MCE roll-up I mentioned....

Mark

 

Wait, so the orange disc is the correct one? Why did it then install a Dell directory on my HDD? There is a folder on the disc called $OEM$ and also so files named "dellxxx". The orange disc is more than meets the eye, I'm afraid. If it wasn't in the past, it sure is now. Like I said, I was at least able to use my own MCE disc with the activation code on the bottom of the laptop.

 

Nick,

The "Orange" disc is the Dell re-install disc. That includes all of the extra programs and files that Dell puts on the computer while it is at the factory. If you want a clean install without all of the extra stuff that Dell throws on there you will have to order the OEM Disc from Dell.

 

Are you sure about that? After I reinstalled using the "Orange" no bloatware was installed.

 

Yeah are you sure about that, I just reinstalled XP MCE with the disk I requested (paid $10) and it shipped with my laptop (I just recieved it not even one week ago). After the reinstall it appears to be bloatware free, unless the programs are hiding somewhere? Certainly none of them run at startup like they did out of the box.

My first post here, I've been lurking for a while as I decided what laptop to buy. I'm very happy with the e1705 so far.

 

It might be different now. I have one disc from Dell for the "factory" re-install that is orange and a blue OS disc, that is clean windows. They might have changed it since I bought my I9300. If they did that would be awesome to be bloatware free.

 

Yeah, if you see no AOHell after reinstall, I'd say you were bloatfree...

 

ah AOHell. that brings me back to the days when i thought I was so clever and "hacking" aol by using those ridiculous programs.

(sorry for the off topic there).

 

nope, as already stated, the OS cd from dell is bloatware free.

 

Well it's a bit much to think it is devoid of ANY Dell-related folders or files. After all it IS a Dell-branded disk used for Dell computers. What you may find on the disk following a reinstall is of little/no consequence....

Mark

 

OK, well I paid the extra $$ for the non-bloatware install disc and I only got the orange one - which has Dell-specific content on it - and a blue one that has utilities and drivers, as well as some Corel disc and an AOHell disc. So do they mail out the PURE OS disc seperately, then? Do I need to call and harass them?

 

I didn't pay the $10...just went this route

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=11480&t=160546

I received 1 Orange CD (MCE no Bloatware) and 2 Blue CD's (Drivers + Applications)

 

Don't think there is such a thing.... At least from Dell anyway....

If you have the DF965 Orange "Operating System" disk, then you have the 'as-clean-as-it-gets' XP MCE Reinstallation software. I'd not get to wound-up about what little Dell-related folder/files you may find.... it's pretty minimal as compared to the trial this-n-that on the laptop when delivered.

fwiw

Mark

 

I agree, my lappy is as smooth as can be after my reinstall, although I'm a bit peeved that I deleted the media direct partition because I thought it would mess up the reinstall. Now I'm reading that a simple repair could have fixed it. Its not a big issue though as I doubt I would have used it much anyway.

 

I'll investigate the ORANGE disc a little closer, maybe it's cleaner than it looks... but I've already reformatted so the experiment will have to wait a loooooong time.